Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his commitment to deepening cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh on Friday, following the appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Sharif conveyed his good wishes to Yunus, who took the oath as Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on Thursday.
Yunus’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh, following violent protests that led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The student-led movement, which erupted earlier this week, resulted in more than 400 deaths and forced Hasina to flee the country. The unrest highlighted the intense dissatisfaction with Hasina’s government, culminating in the protesters’ demand for a new leader.
PM Sharif congratulates Yunus on X
Prime Minister Sharif took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to congratulate Yunus on his new role. “Heartiest felicitations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his swearing-in as Chief Adviser of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” Sharif wrote. He also emphasized his desire to strengthen the relationship between the two South Asian nations under Yunus’s leadership.
Yunus, a celebrated figure both in Bangladesh and internationally, is widely known as the “banker to the poor.” He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for founding Grameen Bank, which revolutionized the fight against poverty through microfinance. His innovative approach provided small loans to impoverished individuals, particularly women, enabling them to start businesses and improve their livelihoods. Yunus’s work has been recognized globally as a transformative model for poverty alleviation.
Before his appointment, Yunus had been in Paris for medical treatment. However, the escalating political crisis in Bangladesh prompted his return to his hometown on Thursday, where he was swiftly endorsed by the student protesters to lead the interim government. Yunus, a vocal critic of Sheikh Hasina, has long been an advocate for transparency, democracy, and social justice. His appointment is seen as a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, as the interim government is tasked with overseeing the upcoming elections for a new leader.
The transition of power in Bangladesh marks a pivotal moment in the country’s history, as Yunus steps into a leadership role at a time of great uncertainty and unrest. His reputation as a champion for the underprivileged and his strong stance against corruption and autocracy have garnered him widespread support, particularly among the younger generation. The hope is that Yunus’s leadership will bring stability to Bangladesh and pave the way for free and fair elections.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties
Prime Minister Sharif’s outreach to Yunus underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the potential for stronger ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. As both countries face their own challenges, the collaboration between their leaders could lead to mutual benefits and a more stable South Asia.
Yunus’s appointment as Chief Adviser has already sparked optimism among many Bangladeshis, who are eager to see a government that truly represents the will of the people. As the interim government prepares for the upcoming elections, all eyes will be on Yunus to guide the nation through this critical period with the same dedication and integrity that have defined his career.